Nutrition-related smartphone applications (apps) could improve children’s nutrition knowledge and skills. However, little is known about the quality of nutrition-related apps for children. This study aimed to identify and evaluate the quality of nutrition-related smartphone apps designed for children ages 4–17.

This systematic appraisal is guided by the Protocol for App Store Systematic Reviews.

Using Google’s Advanced Search, we identified 1814 apps/1184 additional apps in an updated search on iOS, of which twenty-four were eligible. The apps’ objective and subjective quality were evaluated using the twenty-three-item, five-point Mobile App Rating Scale. The objective quality scale consists of four subscales: engagement, functionality, aesthetics and information.

Most of the apps (75 %) focussed solely on promoting nutrition skills, such as making food dishes, rather than nutrition knowledge. Of the twenty-four apps, 83 % targeted children 4–8 years old. The app objective quality mean score was 3·60 ± 0·41. The subscale mean scores were 3·20 ± 0·41 for engagement, 4·24 ± 0·47 for functionality, 4·03 ± 0·51 for aesthetics and 2·94 ± 0·62 for information. The app subjective quality mean score was 2·10 ± 0·90.

More robust approaches to app development leveraging co-design approaches, including involving a multidisciplinary team of experts to provide evidence-based nutrition information, are warranted.

To verify the reliability of information, the sources of information used and the user opinions of the free mobile applications (apps) with nutritional information available in Brazil.

Descriptive, cross-sectional study.

We evaluated the content about nutrition of free apps available on the App Store of iPhone 5S with software iOS 8.4.1 and on the Play Store of the Android platform, version 2.3.6. For this, we compared the nutrition information provided by the app with (i) the Brazilian Food Composition Table (TACO), of 2011; (ii) food composition table: support for nutritional decision, of 2002; and (iii) the National Study of Family Expenditure: food composition tables, of 1999. The evaluation included the description and quantity of macro- and micronutrients in foods. In addition, we evaluated the trustworthiness of information about food energy values and analysed the comments and ratings made by users.

Mobile apps related to nutrition.

We assessed sixteen apps for mobile devices. Considering the foods selected (a basic Brazilian food basket for the month of August 2015), the apps presented partially adequate or inadequate information about food composition (macro- and micronutrients). The adequacy of the food energy values ranged from 0 to 57·1 %. Despite this, the apps received positive ratings by users.

The mobile apps about nutrition currently available and evaluated in the present study in Brazil are not useful for nutritional guidance because most of them are not based on reliable sources of information.